Railway truck



Sept. 28, 1937. G. F. COUCH 2,094,557

RAILWAY TRUCK I I 7 Filed Dec. 30, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 llllllllllllllmtlll illlllllll llllll INVENTOR ATTOR'NEY J0 $229 717 Cac/f BY I G. F. COUCH RAILWAY TRUCK Sept. 28,1937.

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 30, 1931 ATTolugv Sept. 28, 1937. s. F. coucH I 2,094,557

- I RAILWAY TRUCK Filed Dec. 30, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR J9 $16177 .F 'Coeec/i BY I 4 I 5- ATTORNE Sept. 28, 1937.

G.- F. COUCH RAILWAY 'rkucx FiledDec. 30', 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR /em J? (60:06

ATTORNE Patented Sept. 28, 1937 RAILWAY TRUCK Glenn F. Couch, Rochester, N. Y., assignor to The Symington-Gould Corporation,

Rochester, N. Y., a corporation of Maryland Application December 30, 1931, Serial No. 583,954

22 Claims.

This invention relates to railway rolling stock and, more particularly, to trucks in which the bolsters are supported by both helical and elliptic springs.

The principal object of my invention, generally considered, is the employment of elliptic and helical springs for supporting truck bolsters, said elliptic springs being, in some instances, arranged diagonally in order to utilize existing spring 10 planks.

Another object of my invention is an improve: ment in railway trucks by utilizing both elliptic and helical springs for supporting the bolsters thereof, adapter castings or plates being used to underlie the bolster springs in instances where the side frames utilized do not have adequate bearing portions for the increased size of a spring r up.

A further object of my invention is to provide I car trucks with either integral or arch bar side frames, and bolster springs involving a combination of ellipticand helical springs for securing increased capacity, lateral-motion rockers being employed, if desired, for supporting each bolster above the upper spring caps of the bolster springs.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of a spring nest adapted for insertion in a bolster opening of a railway vehicle and comprising an elliptic spring and a plurality of coil springs, the elliptic spring being arranged so as to extend at an oblique angle to the direction of length of the side frame with which it is associated.

Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular arrangement and construction of the various parts will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawings illustrating my in.- vention, the scope whereof is defined by the appended claims:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a truck showing a portion of an integral or cast side frame thereof with associated spring plank, bolster, nest of, springs and associatedparts.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 22 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2, but showing a frame of increased capacity and utilizing more helical springs than the frame of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 1, but showing my invention embodied in a frame of the arch bar type.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 55 of Figure 4, looking in the direction of the arrows. I a

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view of the frame and spring plank on the line 6-6 of Figure 4, looking in the direction of the arrows, the associated bolster and nest of springs being shown in elevation.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary elevational view, with parts in vertical section, and corresponding to Figure 1, but showing another embodiment of my invention.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 8-8 of Figure 'l, a portion of the nest of springs being shown in elevation. I

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 9-9 of Figure 7, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 are views corresponding, respectively, to Figures 7, 8 and 9, but showing my invention embodied in a frame of the arch bar type.

Referring to the drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters, and first considering the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a portion of a truck comprising a side frame I preferably formed of cast steel, although it will be clear that I do not wish to be limited to such construction. The frame I comprises a compression member 2, a tension member 3, and bolster guide columns or strut portions 4 spacing intermediate portions of said compression and tension members, leaving a window opening 5 therebetween.

The tension member 3 has an upper web portion 6 extended laterally beyond the side walls I to provide a spring plank seat portion of adequate area. Resting on the spring plank seat 6 of the frame is one end of a spring plank 8, the other end being supported by a corresponding side frame (not shown). Any desired means may be employed for interlocking the spring plank 8 with respect to the frame I. Resting on the spring plank and disposed in the window opening 5 of the frame is a lower spring plate or cap 9. said cap, in the present embodiment, being of a size adapted to support a four-unit nest of springs, such as employed, for example, with a fifty-ton truck. 1

In the present embodiment, only two helical spring units or sets iii are employed, said spring units being arranged at opposite comers of the spring plate 9 and an elliptic spring or elliptic spring set ii associated with said helical springs and also supported on the plank. In order to utilize existing spring planks, the elliptic spring I I is arranged diagonally of the frame I and plank 8, as shown, for example, in Figure 2, thereby allowing room on each side for one helical spring unit l in a corner of the plate 9. If the elliptic spring ll were disposed axially of the plank, it will be seen that said plank would have to be widened, or it would not be possible to utilize a standard helical spring on each side of the elliptic spring. An additional advantage secured by the diagonal disposition of the elliptic spring is that said spring does not extend out as far beyond the plane of the side frame i.

Resting on the nest of springs M, ii is an upper plate or cap M which, in turn, supports the associated bolster i3. Said bolster is desirably provided with the usual guiding lugs i4 cooperating with the upper portions of the guide columns 3, as will be understood.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 3, a construction is there disclosed which corresponds with Figures 1 and 2, except that the frame l is of greater capacity, and the spring plank 8 and associated plate 9 are of a size adapted to receive a sixunit nest of helical springs 80* arranged as a.

regular hexagon. In the embodiment illustrated, two diagonally disposed helical spring units have been replaced by an elliptic spring ii diagonally disposed, as in the preceding embodiment, for similar reasons.

Referring to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 4, and 6, a construction is' there disclosed which corresponds to that of Figures 1 and 2, except that the frame H is of the arch bar type, comprising an upper arch bar or compression member 2 and a lower arch bar or tension member 3 spaced by bolster guide columns or strut castings 4 held in position by through bolts I5, said bolts connecting not only the members 2 3 and 4 but also the tie Hi.

In the present embodiment, the lower arch bar 3 is not wide enough to form a foundation of sufficient area for the nest of bolster springs, so an adapter casting I1 is employed, said casting being notched, as indicated at I8, to fit the tension member 3 and having an inward extension H! to which is preferably riveted, or otherwise connected, the adjacent end of the spring plank 8 The adapter casting I1 is desirably secured to the frame by longitudinal bolts 20 extending through corresponding apertures in outstanding flanges 2| on the guide columns 0* and those portions of the casting I'I disposed therebetween.

Resting on the adapter casting I! is a nest of springs I l as in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, said springs, if desired, being disposed between lower and upper spring plates or caps 9*, I2 In the present embodiment, a heavier plate or cap 22 is desirably placed on the upper plate or cap I2 and serves to directly support the bolster I3 Except as specifically described, the present embodiment may correspond with that of the first embodiment. H

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures '7, 8 and 9, a construction is there disclosed involving a cast side frame I having a compression member 2, a tension member 3, bolster guide columns 4, and a window opening 5. The tension member beneath the window opening, as in the preceding embodiment, supports an adapter casting or lower spring cap I! connected to the spring plank 8 and, in the present embodiment, directly supporting a nest of helical and elliptic bolster springs I0 H Although the elliptic springs may, if desired, be arranged diagonally, as in the preceding embodiment, they are, in the present embodiment, shown as disposed axially of the spring plank which is, therefore, necessarily of special construction or has the special end casting il providing the necessary increased width for the purpose.

The bolster l3 of the present embodiment is of the lateral-motion type and is, therefore, shown supported on rockers 23 which, in turn, engage the upper spring cap 22 specially adapted for the purpose. The upper cap 22 and the lower cap or adapter I! are, in the present embodiment, indented or provided with shoulders or generally straight ribs serving to center the elliptic spring H by receiving the spring bands 24. Likewise, these same members are provided with formations of a different kind, such as curved flanges or beading 25, for properly positioning or centering the coil springs ill.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 12, a construction is there disclosed corresponding to Figures 7, 8 and 9, except that the frame i is of the arch bar type, as in Figures 4, 5 and 6, and, therefore, has an upper arch bar member 2 a lower arch bar member 3 column members 4 and a tie bar I6 all connected by through bolts i5 Mounted on the lower arch bar member 3 as in the embodiment of Figures 4, 5 and 6, is an adapter casting ll connected to the spring plank 8 and supporting a nest of helical and elliptic springs Hi ll surmounted by a spring cap 22 and supporting lateral-motion rockers 23 for the associated bolster l3. Except as specifically described in connection with the present embodiment, the same may correspond with that of Figures 7, 8 and 9.

From the foregoing disclosure, it will be seen that I have devised an improved truck for railway vehicles in which helical and elliptic springs are employed for supporting the bolster which may, if desired, be of the lateral motion type. Although only one side frame of each embodiment has been illustrated, it will be understood that the other end of the bolster is supported by a corresponding side frame, as the construction is symmetrical.

The disclosure also shows how existing spring planks may be utilized by arranging the elliptic springs diagonally of the associated frames, or the necessary increased width is provided by adapter castings, so that the'elliptic springs may be disposed axially of the planks or transversely of the associated frames. 7

by said plank, and adapted to be compressed by said cap, said elliptic spring having its major axis diagonally disposed to said bolster and its opposite ends disposed on opposite sides of the side frame, and a plurality of coil springs between which said elliptic spring is positioned.

a spring bearing against said spring cap, supported 1 2. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame having a bolster opening, a spring plank supported at one end by the side frame, a spring cap positioned in said bolster opening and movable vertically with respect to the adjacent end of the spring plank, and spring means interposed between the spring plank and the spring cap, said spring means comprising an elliptic spring bearing against said spring cap, supported by said plank, and adapted to be compressed by said cap, said elliptic spring having its major axis disposed at an oblique angle to the direction of length of the side frame and its opposite ends disposed on opposite sides of the side frame, and a plurality of coil springs bearing against said spring cap frame having a bolster'opening, a spring cap po'sitioned in said bolster opening and movable vertically, and spring means interposed between that portion of the frame beneath the bolster opening and the spring cap, said spring means comprising an elliptic spring bearing against said spring cap, supported by said plank, and adapted to be compressed by said cap, said elliptic spring having its major axis diagonally disposed to said side frame and bolster, and a plurality of coil springs bearing against said spring cap and adapted to be compressed thereby, said coil springs being spaced transversely of the side frame.

4. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame having a bolster opening, a bolster projecting into said bolster opening, and springs means positioned in the bolster opening and. operatively interposed between the bolster and the side frame,

said spring means including coil spring means and an elliptic spring the major axis of which forms an oblique angle with the direction of length oi'the side frame.

5. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame having a bolster opening, a bolster projecting at one end into said opening, and spring means positioned in said opening and operatively interposed between the bolster and the side frame, said spring means comprising a plurality of coil springs spaced transversely of the side frame, and,

ends disposed on opposite sides of theside frame and having its major axis extending at an oblique angle'to the direction of length of the side frame.

7. A spring nest adapted for insertion in the bolster opening of a railway vehicle side fra'me comprising an elliptic spring and a plurality of coil springs, said elliptic spring having its major axis extending at an oblique angle to the direction of length of the side frame.

8. A spring nest for insertion in the bolster opening of a railway vehicle side frame comprising a plurality of coil springs spaced transversely of the side frame and an elliptic spring extending between said coil springs, the major axis of the elliptic spring forming an oblique angle with the direction of length of the side frame and with the line connecting the centers of said coil springs.

plane of the major axis of one of said springs extending at an oblique angle to the direction of length of the side frame.

11. A spring assembly comprising upper and lower spring caps, helical springs and an elliptic spring disposed between said caps and arranged to operate in parallel under the applied load, the load surfaces of said springs contacting with the inner surfaces of said caps, and formations provided on said inner surfaces for centering the helicalsprings and for engaging the spring band of the elliptic spring.

12. A truck spring assembly comprising load transmitting spring caps, a plurality of helical springs and an elliptic spring located side by side between said caps, the longitudinal axis of said elliptic spring being substantially parallel to a line passing through the centers of said helical springs, and formations provided on the inner surfaces of said caps for centering the helical springs and for engaging the spring band of the elliptic spring. I

13. In a railway truckside frame and in combination with a bolster, a group of springs inter posed between said bolster and said frame including an elliptic spring disposed with its axis at an oblique angle to said bolster, and coil springs disposed on opposite sides of said elliptic spring.

14. In a railway truck side frame and in combination with a bolster; a group of springs interposed between said bolster and said frame including an elliptic spring disposed with its axis at an oblique angle to said bolster and with its center point substantially on the longitudinal axis of said bolster, and coil springs disposed on opposite sides of said elliptic spring.

15. In a railway truck side frame and in combination with a bolster, a group of springs interposed between said bolster and said frame including an elliptic spring disposed with its axis at an oblique angle to said bolster and with its center point substantially at the point of intersection of the longitudinal axes of said bolster and said side frame, and coil springs disposed on opposite sides of said elliptic spring.

16. In a railway truck side frame and in combination with a bolster, a group of springs interposed between said bolster and said frame including an elliptic spring disposed with its axis at an oblique angle to said bolster, and a pair of coil springs disposed symmetrically on opposite sides of said elliptic spring.

17. In a railway truck side frame and in combination with a bolster, a group of springs interposed between said bolster and said frame including an elliptic spring disposed with its axis at an oblique angle to said bolster and with its center point substantially on the longitudinal axis of said bolster, and a pair of coil springs disposed symmetrically of the longitudinal axis of said bolster.

18. In a railway truck side frame and in combination with a bolster, a group of springs interposed between said bolster and said frame including an elliptic spring disposed with its ads at an oblique angle to said bolster, and with its center point substantially at the point of intersection of the longitudinal axes of said bolster and said side frame, and a pair of coil springs disposed symmetrically on opposite sides of said elliptic spring. I

19. A nest of springs for supporting an end of an associated bolster comprising an v elliptic spring extending along its longitudinal axis from one side to the other of the longitudinal plane of an associated side frame, and coil spring means on either side of said elliptic spring, the plane joining the resultant axis of all the coil spring means on one side with that of all the coil spring means on the other side of the elliptic spring being diagonally disposed with respect to said longitudinal axis of the elliptic spring.

20. In a railway truck side frame, in combination with a bolster, a spring assembly interposed between the side frame and bolster for resiliently supporting said bolster comprising upper and lower spring caps, helical springs, and an elliptic spring disposed between said caps and arranged to operate in parallel, the load surfaces of said springs contacting with the inner surfaces of the caps, and formations provided on said inner surfaces for centering the helical springsand for engaging the spring band of the elliptic spring.

21. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame having a bolster opening, a bolster having an end portion received in said opening, upper and lower spring caps positioned in said bolster,

opening, said upper spring cap being movable vertically, lateral motion rocker means disposed between said bolster and upper spring cap, helical springs and an elliptic spring interposed between said caps, the load surfaces of said springs contacting with the inner surfaces of said caps, and formations provided on said inner surfaces for centering the helical springs and for engaging spring bands of the elliptic spring.

22. In a railway truck, in combination, a side frame having a bolster opening, a bolster with an end received in said opening, upper and lower spring caps positioned in said opening, said upper spring cap being adapted to move vertically and said lower spring cap being supported by said side frame, means disposed between said bolster and upper cap for allowing lateral motion of the bolster with respect to the side frame, helical springs and an elliptic spring disposed between said caps and arranged to operate in parallel GIENN F. COUCH. 

